Kashmir separatist leader Shabir Shah reportedly met Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit ahead of next week’s foreign secretary-level talk.
Earlier, he had said that he had been invited for lunch, and he had accepted the invitation because Pakistan has always been supporting the Kashmir cause for self-determination both at the political level and the diplomatic level.
The meeting fueled criticism as it comes amidst ongoing ceasefire violations by Pakistan, which had resulted in protesters gathering outside the Pakistan High Commission.
Just before leaving for the meet, Shah said the meeting has unnecessarily been made an issue of, as it is held on a routine basis.
“This has unnecessarily been made an issue of, we go on a routine basis. Earlier, also we have been meeting with the Pakistan PM, but questions are being raised this time only,” said Shah.
“I understand there is a Kashmir issue, but this is our issue, so who else will be consulted, it’s the beginning, so the political parties shouldn’t make an issue out of it. If Nawaz Sharif has shown a positive response, so Narendra Modi should also ask political parties to not make an issue out of it,” he added.
The foreign secretaries of the two countries are meeting in Islamabad on August 25. (ANI)